CASA and NIAC Come Together for Advocacy and Collaboration

By Molly Salter

This past weekend, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) Board of Directors joined the National Indigenous Advocacy Committee (NIAC) at the beautiful Painted Warriors Ranch for our annual NIAC Retreat. Located in the Alberta foothills, this gathering facilitated opportunities for meaningful collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous student leaders.

During the retreat, we engaged in learning guided by our wonderful hosts of Ojibway, Cree, and Mohawk heritage. These activities included learning the art of archery, practicing animal identification, and exploring

traditional Indigenous hunting skills. Beyond the hands-on learning, this retreat served as a valuable space to discuss NIAC’s advocacy goals for the upcoming year and to reflect on ways to amplify Indigenous student voices

across Canada. Through shared meals, storytelling, and teamwork, we left the weekend with a deeper understanding of one another’s perspectives and a renewed commitment to advancing reconciliation in the post-secondary education system.

This retreat was a testament to the power of cultural exchange, and partnership, and the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous traditions are celebrated and shared. A heartfelt thank you to Painted Warriors Ranch for their warm hospitality and to everyone who participated in making this retreat a truly enriching experience!

Molly Salter (she/they)
National Indigenous Advisory Committee, AUSU Indigenous Circle
Athabasca University Students’ Union
ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan)
Treaty 6/Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4